The Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, recently highlighted the importance of palm cultivation in Bahrain during the fifth edition of the “Palm Tree Bounty” Festival. This event aims to promote environmental sustainability, sustainable agricultural development, and the enhancement of national agricultural products. The festival, held at the permanent farmers’ market in Hawrat Aali, showcases a variety of palm-related products, including dates and traditional handicrafts.
Notable figures in attendance at the festival included H.E. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, Ms. Dalal Al Ghais, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank Group, and the CEO of the Labour Fund, Tamkeen. Eng. Al Mubarak emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to preserving Bahrain’s agricultural heritage by developing the palm sector through genetic complexes for local varieties and the application of modern agricultural technologies. Additionally, an atlas of the most important date palm varieties in the Arab Gulf countries is currently being prepared.
Shaikha Maram praised the support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leadership, highlighting the cultural significance of palm trees. She expressed gratitude to the Bahrain Development Bank for organizing the festival and commended the variety and quality of the products displayed. Al Ghais acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various organizations, noting that the festival provides an ideal platform for farmers and productive families to showcase their products. The festival aims to support local farmers by providing them with opportunities to promote their products and celebrate Bahrain’s agricultural identity.
Organized by the Farmers Market Management of the Bahrain Development Bank Group, in collaboration with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, the “Palm Tree Bounty” Festival is part of ongoing efforts to encourage local palm product production. By supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing its contribution to the local economy, the festival plays a key role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food security in Bahrain. Through partnerships with various organizations and government entities, the festival aims to create a platform for farmers to showcase their products and strengthen the agricultural sector in the country.
The festival’s focus on palm cultivation highlights the cultural significance of the palm tree in Bahrain and its importance in shaping the country’s agricultural heritage. By promoting the production of palm-related products and traditional handicrafts, the festival aims to diversify income sources for farmers and contribute to food security in the region. The support from key figures in the government and industry underscores the commitment to preserving Bahrain’s agricultural traditions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Overall, the “Palm Tree Bounty” Festival serves as a platform for farmers, productive families, and local businesses to come together, showcase their products, and celebrate Bahrain’s rich agricultural identity. Through ongoing support from government entities and organizations such as the Bahrain Development Bank, the festival plays a crucial role in promoting the palm sector and encouraging sustainable agricultural development in the country. By highlighting the cultural importance of palm trees and their contribution to environmental sustainability, the festival underscores the significance of palm cultivation in shaping Bahrain’s agricultural landscape.